New Delhi: Social activist Nanaji Deshmukh, singer Bhupen Hazarika and former President Pranab Mukherjee will be conferred with country’s highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna.

As per a press communique issued by President of India’s office, Nanaji Deshmukh and Bhupen Hazarika will be awarded with the honour posthumously.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said Nanaji Deshmukh’s stellar contribution towards rural development showed the way for a new paradigm of empowering those living in the villages. In a series of tweets, Mr. Modi said, Nanaji Deshmukh personifies humility, compassion and service to the downtrodden and he is a Bharat Ratna in the truest sense.

The Prime Minister said the songs and music of Bhupen Hazarika are admired by people across generations and from them radiates the message of justice, harmony and brotherhood. He popularised India’s musical traditions globally.

Mr. Modi said, former President Pranab Mukherjee is an outstanding statesman of our times and he has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation’s growth trajectory. The Prime Minister said Mr. Mukherjee’s wisdom and intellect have few parallels.